As stated by Police Area Prevention Manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks:
Police are reminding the public that while celebrating cultural heritage and sporting competition is welcomed, it must be done safely and within the law.
Yesterday between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, Tauranga Road Policing staff managed two separate vehicle convoys involving supporters of Samoan and Tongan rugby league teams. Each convoy consisted of more than 100 vehicles and travelled through various parts of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.
During the event, Police received complaints from members of the public regarding driver behaviour - such as vehicles blocking intersections, excessive horn use, and loud stereos - and concerns about road safety including unrestrained children.
Police also observed several unsafe and unlawful behaviours, including unrestrained young people leaning out of vehicle windows while waving large flags, excessive noise from external stereo systems, and unsafe passenger conduct.
Several drivers were stopped and spoken to by Police, and infringement notices were issued for offences including operating a vehicle with noisy equipment fitted, permitting or riding in a dangerous position on a vehicle, and failing to wear a seatbelt.
Police want to make it clear that this type of behaviour will continue to attract enforcement action.
Allowing passengers to lean out of vehicle windows, ride unrestrained, or travel in unsafe positions creates a significant risk of serious injury or death. Drivers are legally responsible for ensuring passengers are transported safely.
Similarly, loud external stereo systems and excessive horn use can create unnecessary disturbance for the wider community and may result in infringement notices.
While displaying flags and celebrating sporting and cultural achievements is an important expression of pride and identity, it must be done safely. Large flags extending from vehicle windows can obstruct visibility, distract other motorists, and increase the risk of crashes, particularly on higher-speed roads.
Police respect and support the rights of people to celebrate their culture, heritage, and sporting achievements. However, those celebrations must occur in a manner that respects the rights of others, complies with road rules, and does not compromise public safety or disrupt the peace of the community.
Road policing staff will continue to monitor similar gatherings and convoys. Offending could result in infringement notices, prosecution, vehicle-related enforcement measures, and further Police intervention where required.
Police thank the vast majority of supporters who celebrated responsibly and encourage anyone planning future gatherings to do so with safety, courtesy, and consideration for all road users.
Following the convoy activity last night, Police conducted a targeted operation in Mount Maunganui, focusing on poor driving behaviour, excessive vehicle noise, and drivers accelerating aggressively along Main Street.
Further infringement notices were issued for offences relating to vehicle noise, driving behaviour, and other traffic-related offences.
Police are reminding motorists that deliberately accelerating heavily, creating excessive exhaust or engine noise, or driving in a manner that causes unnecessary disturbance to the public is unacceptable. Such behaviour not only impacts residents, businesses, and other road users, but can also result in significant penalties.
One offence Police detected was operating a vehicle in a manner liable to cause annoyance, which carries an infringement fee of $600.
Motorists are reminded that roads are shared public spaces and that all drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely, responsibly, and with consideration for others.
